Moving boxes can empty your wallet quickly – even 20 simple boxes at $5 each total $100. Finding affordable moving boxes is a vital part of planning your move.
Home Depot offers budget-friendly small boxes for $0.98, while U-Haul provides detailed moving kits priced up to $439.67. The options seem endless. Walmart’s network of nearly 5,000 stores nationwide makes buying moving boxes more convenient than ever. Our comparison of prices, sizes, and availability from major retailers will help you locate the cheapest moving boxes without sacrificing quality. These eight reliable sources will help you maximize your moving budget effectively.
Home Depot: Most Affordable Basic Boxes
Home Depot stands out as a great choice for affordable moving boxes. Their simple box options start at just $1.38.
Home Depot Box Pricing Breakdown
The company’s pricing structure makes sense and fits most budgets. Here’s what we found:
| Box Size | Standard Price | Heavy-Duty Price |
|---|---|---|
| Small | $1.38 | $2.48 |
| Medium | $1.98 | $3.48 |
| Large | $2.48 | $4.98 |
| Extra Large | $3.48 | $6.98 |
Buying in bulk saves you money. A 10-pack of medium boxes costs $17.81, which brings the per-box cost down to $1.78.
Home Depot Box Sizes and Options
Home Depot’s range of box sizes meets various moving needs:
- Small (17″ x 11″ x 11″): Books and tools fit perfectly here
- Medium (21″ x 15″ x 16″): Kitchen items and small appliances work best
- Large (27″ x 15″ x 16″): Bulkier items fit well
- Extra Large (24″ x 20″ x 21″): Pillows and blankets go here nicely
Built-in handles make these boxes easy to carry. Standard boxes hold up to 65 pounds, while heavy-duty versions can support up to 80 pounds.
Home Depot Box Quality Review
Our assessment shows that Home Depot’s boxes use 100% recycled material, which shows their steadfast dedication to environmental responsibility. These boxes come with two strength ratings:
- Standard boxes: 32 ECT (Edge Crush Test) rating
- Heavy-duty boxes: 42 ECT rating
Customers love the simple return policy – you can return unused boxes with a receipt to any Home Depot store. Customer feedback indicates these boxes work great for short-distance moves, though some suggest heavy-duty options are better for heavier items.
Amazon: Best for Bulk Box Purchases
Image Source: Amazon.com
Want to save big on moving supplies? Amazon stands out as one of the best places to buy moving boxes in bulk. Our research proves it.
Amazon Moving Box Price Comparison
We analyzed Amazon’s box pricing and found you can save a lot through bulk purchases. Their Amazon Basics medium boxes (18″x14″x12″) cost $1.96 per box in a 20-pack bundle. Plus, their premium Bankers Box SmoothMove series offers:
| Box Size | Pack Quantity | Price | Price Per Box |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 5-pack | $19.99 | $4.00 |
| Medium | 8-pack | $28.99 | $3.62 |
Amazon Box Bundle Deals
Amazon excels at offering complete moving kits. Their popular bundle options include:
- Basic Moving Kit: 30 assorted boxes (small, medium, large) priced at $83.10
- Bankers Box SmoothMove Classic Moving Kit: Complete set at $33.49
- Wardrobe Box Bundle: 6-pack with hanging bars at $66.53
These bundles come with packing tape and box markers, making them a great value for complete moving solutions.
Amazon Box Shipping and Delivery
Prime members get free delivery on most box purchases. Amazon’s warehouse network provides quick delivery – usually within 1-2 days to most locations.
The boxes arrive flat-packed to save storage space until needed. Amazon’s packaging quality remains reliable. The boxes feature:
- Double bottom construction for better durability
- Tape-free assembly on select models
- Built-in handles for easier carrying
Buying boxes in bulk through Amazon will save you money. Their mix of competitive pricing, reliable delivery, and quality construction makes them a smart choice to get your moving supplies.
Walmart: Cheapest Individual Boxes
Image Source: Walmart
Walmart makes buying individual moving boxes convenient with its network of nearly 5,000 stores across the country.
Walmart Box Price Analysis
Our research reveals Walmart’s competitive pricing for single-box purchases. A Pen+Gear Large Recycled Moving Box costs just $1.48. The most popular box options come with these prices:
| Box Type | Individual Price | Bundle Price (25 boxes) |
|---|---|---|
| Small | $1.00 | $25.00 |
| Medium | $1.40 | $35.00 |
| Large | $1.48 | $49.50 |
Walmart Box Selection Guide
Walmart’s range goes beyond standard sizes and has specialized moving boxes that meet specific needs. The selection has:
- Wardrobe boxes with built-in hanging bars at $5.74 each
- TV moving boxes that fit screens up to 70 inches at $19.95
- Kitchen moving kits with foam pouches at $35.38
These boxes are made from 100% recycled materials, which makes them an eco-friendly choice. Standard boxes come with reinforced handles and pre-scored folding lines that make assembly easy.
Walmart In-Store vs Online Prices
Walmart’s online marketplace tends to beat their in-store prices. The store provides several convenient options:
- Same-day pickup for online orders
- 24/7 availability at many Supercenters
- Online inventory checking before visiting stores
- Free shipping options for bulk purchases
Walmart’s Moving Center is a helpful feature that helps you plan your entire move. You can check available stock from home and schedule pickup when it works best for you.
The boxes are built tough with proper weight capacity ratings. The medium boxes (16″x16″x17″) handle typical household items well and work great for most moving situations.
U-Haul: Best Moving Box Kits
Image Source: U-Haul
We looked at many retailers and found that U-Haul stands out because of their complete moving box kits. These kits provide flexible solutions for different home sizes, making them a great choice when you need to buy moving boxes.
U-Haul Box Kit Pricing
U-Haul’s kit pricing changes based on apartment size and moving needs:
| Kit Type | Contents | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment Kit | 35 pieces | $151.07 |
| 1-2 Bedroom Kit | 66 pieces | $314.21 |
| 3-4 Bedroom Kit | 104 pieces | $466.00 |
| 4+ Bedroom Kit | 145 pieces | $701.23 |
You can also get these specialty kits:
- College Kit: $28.82
- TV Packing Kit: $75.04
- Wardrobe Box Kit: $113.45
U-Haul Box Quality Features
Our analysis shows that U-Haul puts their boxes through tough durability tests. Their small boxes can handle up to 721 pounds of pressure and bounce back to their original shape after compression.
These boxes come with quality features like:
- C-Flute structure (thicker than standard B-Flute)
- Built-in handles for easier carrying
- Flap lock design for convenient packing
- Double-walled construction for specialty boxes
The boxes performed well in our humidity tests. Lab results showed they resist water better than competitor boxes.
U-Haul Box Return Policy
U-Haul’s customer-friendly return policy really impressed us. They give you a 100% buyback guarantee on unused boxes with receipt. You can return them at any U-Haul center nationwide, so you don’t have to worry about buying too many.
The company runs a Box Exchange program at their locations. This program lets you:
- Take free used boxes from designated bins
- Leave your used boxes for others
- Exchange boxes at any company-owned location
This eco-friendly approach makes U-Haul perfect for budget-conscious movers who want quality boxes at the lowest price.
Lowe’s: Best Specialty Box Selection
Image Source: Lowe’s
We researched specialty moving boxes and Lowe’s has an impressive selection of unique packing solutions. Their range excels at handling specific moving challenges that standard boxes can’t manage.
Lowe’s Box Cost Breakdown
Lowe’s pricing structure stays competitive in all categories:
| Box Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Classic Medium | $3.34 |
| Heavy-Duty Large | $4.98 |
| TV Box (up to 80″) | $45.00 |
| Wardrobe Box | Starting at $12.99 |
Lowe’s Specialty Box Options
Lowe’s stands out with their wide selection of specialty boxes. Here are some notable options:
- Corrugated boxes with multilayered design that provide extra cushioning
- TV boxes with expanding design, corner cushions, and protective foam bags
- Wardrobe boxes with metal hanging bars
- Heavy-duty boxes featuring double-wall end and bottom construction
The boxes come with practical features like built-in handle slots that make moving easier. You can pick from:
- Classic boxes to pack non-fragile items
- Heavy-duty options to store books and heirlooms
- Specialty boxes to protect electronics and artwork
Lowe’s Box Durability Review
Our testing and customer feedback show impressive durability features. These corrugated boxes protect better against moisture damage than standard cardboard boxes.
Customers consistently praise the performance:
- Long-term durability: The boxes stay intact even after multiple uses over seven years
- Weight support: They don’t tear or sag, even with fragile items inside
- Versatility: They work great for kitchen items, bathroom supplies, and decorative pieces
Lowe’s provides free in-store pickup, with shipping available at extra cost. You’ll get the boxes flat-packed to save storage space until needed. You can check box availability online before heading to the store.
Office Depot: Best Small Box Deals
We looked everywhere to find the cheapest moving boxes and found that Office Depot has amazing deals, especially on their small boxes. The prices and quality make it worth checking out when you’re planning your move.
Office Depot Box Prices
Our original search showed their 12″ x 12″ x 12″ kraft box at just $2.31. Their best-selling boxes are:
| Box Type | Regular Price | Sale Price | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12″ x 12″ x 12″ | $3.09 | $2.31 | $0.78 |
| 16.5″ x 12.75″ x 12.625″ | $4.99 | $4.04 | $0.95 |
| 18″ x 18″ x 18″ | $8.99 | $6.74 | $2.25 |
Office Depot Box Sizes
The store has boxes of all sizes that fit different moving needs. Their standard selection has:
- Small boxes (12″ x 12″ x 8″) work great for books and heavy items
- Medium boxes (16.5″ x 12.75″ x 12.625″) are perfect for kitchen stuff
- Large boxes (20″ x 20″ x 20″) handle lightweight, bulky items well
These boxes are incredibly strong and can hold up to 200 pounds per square inch. Built-in handles make carrying easier, and pre-scored fold lines help you put them together quickly.
Office Depot Bulk Discounts
Moving a lot of stuff? You’ll save money with bulk purchases. A 25-pack of 18″ x 18″ x 18″ boxes costs $100.49, which saves quite a bit compared to buying them one at a time.
The store makes shopping easy with:
- Free 20-minute store pickup
- Same-day pickup at most stores
- Regular deals on moving supplies
Their heavy-duty boxes really stand out. These tough boxes come with double-wall construction and better edge protection. To name just one example, their heavy-duty 14″ x 14″ x 14″ box usually costs $7.49 but often drops to $5.61 during sales.
Staples: Most Convenient Box Shopping
Staples stands out as a great place to buy moving boxes with its hassle-free shopping experience. The combination of convenience and cost makes it worth taking a closer look at their complete offering.
Staples Box Price List
Our research shows competitive pricing for boxes of all sizes:
| Box Type | Individual Price | Bundle Price |
|---|---|---|
| Small (16″x12″x12″) | $3.40/box | $33.99/10-pack |
| Medium (18″x18″x16″) | $3.42/box | $68.49/20-pack |
| Large (18″x18″x24″) | $4.22/box | $50.69/12-pack |
The combo packs provide even better value. The #1 Moving Box Combo comes with:
- 5 small boxes (1.5 cubic foot capacity)
- 5 medium boxes (3.0 cubic foot capacity)
- 5 large boxes (4.5 cubic foot capacity) All for $56.29
Staples Box Availability
Staples outshines other retailers with its specialized box selection. Their inventory has:
- Square shipping boxes for standard items
- Wardrobe boxes with hanging bars
- Picture boxes for artwork
- Dish pack boxes with protective dividers
- Multi-depth boxes with perforated lines
The box strength ratings really caught our attention. The standard corrugate rate is 32 ECT, which supports up to 65 pounds per package. These boxes work well for most household items.
Staples Box Delivery Options
Staples really shines when it comes to delivery:
- Free next-day delivery on eligible orders
- In-store pickup options
- Quick shipping with secure packaging
The boxes come flat-packed, so you can store them easily until needed. Customer feedback highlights Staples’s delivery reliability, with many orders arriving ahead of schedule.
Customers consistently praise these boxes’ sturdiness. Each box has built-in handles and contains at least 30% recycled content. However, some customers mention that prices can be higher than other retailers.
UsedCardboardBoxes.com: Best Eco-Friendly Option
Looking to buy moving boxes while being green? UsedCardboardBoxes.com has a fresh take on this. Since 2006, this company has been “rescuing” quality boxes that would have ended up in landfills.
UsedCardboardBoxes.com Pricing
Their moving kit options come with both used boxes and new moving supplies. Here’s what their pricing looks like:
| Kit Type | Contents | Delivery Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Bedroom | Used boxes + supplies | 2-3 business days |
| 3-Bedroom | Mixed size boxes + supplies | 2-3 business days |
| Office Moving | Custom quantities | 2-3 business days |
The company’s free shipping anywhere in the USA caught our eye. This service gives great value to eco-friendly movers, thanks to their competitive prices.
Used Box Quality Standards
The company’s quality control process is strict. Each box needs to meet these standards:
- Minimum 32 ECT (Edge Crush Test) rating
- No odors or hazardous material residue
- No water damage or severe deformation
- Original structural integrity intact
These boxes come from big companies that unpack millions of boxes each year. The company backs their quality with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so customers get boxes that work just as well as new ones.
Environmental Impact Benefits
The numbers tell an impressive story. UsedCardboardBoxes.com sells moving supplies like traditional retailers but with a green twist. By 2023, they had:
- Saved over 8,026,409 trees through their box rescue program
- Cut down cardboard waste in landfills by a lot
- Created jobs through their inspection process
This matters because recent data shows Americans threw away 110 million metric tons of paper and cardboard in 2019. Only 38% got recycled.
The company saves boxes that would be crushed or recycled. Most boxes come from factory misprints, overruns, or one-time corporate shipments. Their UCBZeroWaste program helps big manufacturers and distributors cut down on waste.
The service stands out because it balances being green with getting the job done. Every rescued box goes through careful inspection to match new box standards. This gives you a green option when you want affordable moving boxes without cutting corners on quality.
Comparison Table
| Retailer | Simple Box Price (Small/Medium) | Bulk Purchase Options | Specialty Features | Delivery/Pickup Options | Notable Quality Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Depot | Small: $1.38, Medium: $1.98 | 10-pack medium boxes: $17.81 | Heavy-duty options available | In-store returns accepted | 32 ECT rating, 65 lbs capacity |
| Amazon | Medium: $1.96 (in 20-pack) | Complete moving kits from $83.10 | Bankers Box SmoothMove series | Free delivery with Prime | Double bottom construction |
| Walmart | Small: $1.00, Medium: $1.40 | 25-pack bundles available | Wardrobe boxes: $5.74, TV boxes: $19.95 | Same-day pickup, free shipping on bulk | 100% recycled materials |
| U-Haul | Part of kit pricing | Apartment Kit: $151.07 (35 pieces) | TV Kit: $75.04, Wardrobe Kit: $113.45 | Box Exchange program available | 721 lbs pressure resistance |
| Lowe’s | Medium: $3.34 | N/A | TV boxes up to 80″, Wardrobe boxes from $12.99 | Free in-store pickup | Double-wall construction |
| Office Depot | Small (12″): $2.31 | 25-pack large boxes: $100.49 | Heavy-duty options available | Free 20-minute store pickup | Up to 200 lbs per square inch |
| Staples | Small: $3.40, Medium: $3.42 | 10-pack small: $33.99 | Multi-depth boxes available | Free next-day delivery | 32 ECT rating, 65 lbs capacity |
| UsedCardboardBoxes.com | Based on kit pricing | Custom quantities for office moving | Mixed size boxes in kits | Free shipping nationwide | Minimum 32 ECT rating |
Conclusion
Our comparison of eight major retailers revealed several reliable options to buy moving boxes at different prices. Home Depot’s basic boxes start at $1.38, while Amazon gives great savings on bulk purchases. Walmart works best for single box purchases, and U-Haul shines with its complete moving kits.
Box prices differ between stores, but quality stays the same. Most boxes have 32 ECT ratings and can hold 65-pound loads. Smart buyers can save money by mixing their purchases – getting simple boxes from Home Depot, bulk orders from Amazon, and specialty items from Lowe’s or U-Haul.
Money-conscious movers might want to check out UsedCardboardBoxes.com. The site’s boxes are eco-friendly and maintain professional quality standards through strict inspections. On top of that, it helps reduce waste. Most retailers’ pickup options and satisfaction guarantees make returning unused boxes hassle-free.
The best strategy is to compare prices from multiple stores and pick boxes based on your moving needs, budget, and what’s available nearby. This way, you’ll get the best deal on sturdy, reliable boxes for your move.